Youth Council holds drunken driving education program

The Rockville Centre Youth Council is offering a distracted and drunken driving education program for students as part of the annual Walkathon and Family Fun Fitness Fair organized by the RVC Drug, Alcohol and Violence Task Force.

The Arrive Alive Tour from UNITE educates teens on the dangers of drunken driving and texting while driving. It will be in Rockville Centre on Saturday, Sept. 20 at Southside Middle School from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The UNITE’s Arrive Alive program uses a high-tech simulator, impact video and a number of other resources to educate students about the dangers of drunken driving and texting while driving. The simulator allows students to experience the potential consequences of drunken and distracted driving in a controlled environment.

The RVC Youth Council is a 501c-3 organization, formed in 2009, which brings together Rockville Centre teens with dedicated adults to prevent substance use by highlighting the dangers of underage drinking and illegal drug use. In carrying out this mission, the Youth Council provides educational programs on these issues, substance-free social activities, community service opportunities and social action projects. The Youth Council is very committed to educating students and the community on the dangers of drunken and distracted driving and is thrilled to sponsor this program, which has been funded by the Rockville Centre Lions Club.

UNITE brings health and wellness programs to high school and college campuses across the nation. Its programs are designed to heighten awareness to the dangers and consequences of drunken and distracted driving. Its follow-up programs have a powerful impact on students to reinforce the subjects that schools and parents teach them daily.

One of the most commonly recognized driving distractions is cell phone use. About 89 percent of all Americans have a cell phone, according to CTIA – The Wireless Association. Drivers under 20 years old have the highest proportion of distraction-related fatal crashes according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Their lack of driving experience can contribute to critical misjudgments if they become distracted. They text more than any other age group, and the number of young drivers who text is only increasing.

If you have any questions or for more information, please contact Beth Hammerman of the RVC Youth Council at (516) 659-4026 or email info@rvcyouthcouncil.org.